The United States on Tuesday ordered staff of its embassy in Kabul to leave if their work can be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the city.
The order came in an updated State Department travel advisory for Afghanistan, where the Biden administration is beginning a drawdown of US troops on May 1.
“In light of increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul, the Department has approved Ordered Departure status affecting a relatively small number of employees at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul effective immediately,” a State Department spokeswoman said.
“We do not anticipate any changes to our operations and capabilities resulting from this action,” she added.
The travel advisory also warned US citizens against traveling to Afghanistan.
“The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is severely limited, particularly outside of Kabul. Evacuation options from Afghanistan are extremely limited due to the lack of infrastructure, geographic constraints, and the volatile security situation,” the advisory said.
“Family members cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in Afghanistan. Unofficial travel to Afghanistan by U.S. government employees and their family members is restricted and requires prior approval from the Department of State,” it said. “U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling to all locations in Kabul except the U.S. Embassy and other U.S. government facilities unless there is a compelling U.S. government interest in permitting such travel that outweighs the risk. Additional security measures are needed for any U.S. government employee travel and movement through Afghanistan.”
US President Joe Biden has announced military withdrawal from Afghanistan by September 11.
